How to get canadian passport/citizenship for newborn?

[momozaza]

Are there any Canadian parents out there who have applied for Canadian passport/citizenship for their newborns in Singapore? Can you share with me the procedure like what forms to fill out/what the fees are/waiting time etc? Thanks in advance!

[Bafana]

Not Canadian but pretty sure the process would be similar for Aussie.

You will need to go see your embassy as soon as possible after birth and get the paper work underway (they will tell you whats needed). This will usually involve a passport photo, birth certificates and proof of ID/citizenship of the parents. The fee is not usually that steep. The whole process can take some time so you need to get in quick as Singapore ICA has a set period of time for you to get the baby's passport in order so they can grant a pass relative to the parents visa for Singapore.

Hope that helps.

BTW getting a newborn baby to stay still for a passport photo is a nightmare. Tip from the wise is to lay them on a white shirt (select color relevant to your country) and take a heap of photos with a digital camera. Download your pics and find one that looks the best and use windos to crop the picture. The print shop can do the rest.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Actually, I found taking a pic of a newborn easy as I just left them wrapped up in their blanket/swaddling cloth during the photo. This confines their arms and legs more of less during the shoot so they don't move around too much.

I just left them in their cot/crib for the picture. And it's even easier (read cheaper) today as baf said, use a digital camera (when mine were babies they didn't have PC's let alone digital camera.

[cbavasi]

Don't worry too much about the 42 stipulation - if you need more time they will extend for another 30 days. Check with your embassy if you can schedule an appt. I know for the American embassy you can now book an appt for children and that BOTH parents must accompany. With the British embassy either parent can submit the paperwork and the baby need not be present. Also, make sure the baby has it's eyes open in the photo - can be difficult with a newborn!

[momozaza]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I did go down to the embassy and ICA to check and it seems like I do need to get my newborn down to the embassy quite soon after her birth.

The tips on the photo taking are really helpful. Will definitely give that a try! Thanks for sharing.